Post#1437 » by MettaWorldPanda » Sat Mar 4, 2023 4:57 pm
Kuzma, 27, appears to have just entered his prime, this year averaging a career-high 21.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists (also a career-best) while shooting 45.3% from the field and 33.2% from three. Adding to his value is his approach to the game, as a willing defender and passer.
The Wizards traded for an ascending player when they acquired Kuzma in 2021 from the Lakers. He has also found a comfortable place to continue his NBA development. Not only has he continued to improve, but he is also playing with both his childhood best friend, Monte Morris, and college teammate, Delon Wright.
Giving Kuzma a substantial raise would not be done in a vacuum. The Wizards will have to manage what could be a very expensive roster with Beal already set to make $46.7 million next season in the second year of his supermax deal and Kristaps Porzingis also potentially in line for a raise. Porzingis, like Kuzma, has a player option for 2023-24, his at $36 million.
Even if Porzingis doesn't opt out, the Wizards could owe three players over $100 million combined, leaving little room under what is projected to be a $134 million salary cap.
"I think keeping Kyle, we made it clear that that's a priority for us in the offseason. Assuming Kristaps were to opt out, he's a priority for us this offseason. That's his decision and we'll address it when we're notified," Sheppard said.
This right here is why I think we have a great chance at getting Kristaps Porzingis this offseason. His agent Jeff Schwartz can broker a deal between the Wiz and Heat that gets the Wiz some compensation with the notion that there's no way they are going to be able to afford him the following year. Wiz might as well get a matching contract which is going to be difficult to find like Lowry's that's expiring and get a pick along with it. It's possible that the Heat can get creative with extension terms with him as well alleviating some cap.